Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

I’ve noticed that there are many pockets of veg lifestyle and healthy eating curiosity gaining foothold in and around metro Detroit.  This is not necessarily the first city that might come to mind when thinking about veg-friendly cuisine and healthy eateries, but they’re here, popping up all over in unexpected places.

Detroit sits amidst the great lakes, less sexy or avant garde compared with neighboring Chicago or even Cleveland.   We are used to seeing stats about our high obesity rates, increases in crime, and so many fast food restaurants per capita that the first stat is readily explained.  But once in a while, there is a piece of news that is undeniably a source of pride that you look at it and say, I knew it!  I knew that the progress  I see is real and the experiences I’ve had are not being accounted for in the measurements that are so frequently reported in the media.

Today I found one of those pieces of news that makes me smile and say, yes, that’s my town.  Quietly, diligently, Detroit made me proud.  The PCRM, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine just ranked Detroit Metropolitan Airport number one in leading the list of healthy food options.   This is the third year in a row that Detroit has topped the list, offering at least one  healthy food dish in 100% of its restaurants.   10 years ago, Detroit was at the bottom of the list and now, Atlanta-Hartsfield owns that seat.

PCRM ranked 15 of the country’s busiest airports, scouring each restaurant menu in the airports for at least one heart healthy, low fat, cholesterol-free meal.  In this study, PRCM found that overall, healthier food is easier to find in airports across the country, but there is much more improvement to be made.  They go on to say, “The good news is that healthy vegetarian choices are now available at most airports”.     And who is the sleeper at the top of the list?  Detroit Metropolitan Airport.  Cool.  This news makes me proud for sure, but more importantly, encourages me to look for healthy food options when I travel and it hope it does you too.

See the details of this study here.  Thank you PCRM for continuing to help spotlight healthy foods and especially in places like airports, where so many people pass through the gates each day not really expecting to find food that is gentle on their hearts and the planet.  Thank you DTW (FAA lingo for Detroit’s airport).

Have a delicious day.

Tags: 30 day challenge, compassionate eating, Detroit Metro airport restaurants, eating healthy while traveling, going veg, PCRM, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, trying vegetarian, vegan wannabe